According to Annie...

Real Art

2011-08-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

My cute cousin saw these and just knew I would love them so she sent them my way. Well she knows me well and I am in LOVE with them! MOVE is definitely my favorite. Oh how I want to travel the world. I want to see new things, meet people and experience the world!!! Plus this guy is a hottie and an Australian. No wonder that's on the top of my list of places to go. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll bring one home with me too. ;)

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Seriously is he not the cutest? Pretty sure he should be my next boyfriend. Also, the traveling he does is freaking rad too. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Peace and love. We need more in the world.

Baby baby!

2011-08-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

I am an auntie for the 5th time! And to another girl of course. :) All we have in my family is girls and I LOVE it! Who else can say they have 5 adorable girls to kiss on? I'm so blessed to have these sweet spirits in my life. Welcome to the world Jade Jean Blair! You are only 7 days old and you have completely stolen my heart! I can't kiss you enough.

Here she is in the hospital

and this is the outfit she came home in. I love you baby girl! So happy to be your favorite Aunt! :)

peace and love.

My new mantra

2011-08-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

HP4LIFE

2011-07-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

I can't get enough of them. I can't pick a favorite. I love them all so much! The characters, the books, the movies and the actors too! They are just the cutest and I really do think that they are all best friends. I'm so obsessed with the wonderful wizarding world that is 'arry Pottah!

Even if it makes me super nerdy. :)

Okay and I'm sorry but is that not the CUTEST picture ever? I love it. Love the hug and her happy smile. Clearly I can't get over it. :)

Word to the wise: In case you live in a cave and haven't seen the new HP 7.2 GO SEE IT ASAP! Or even if you have seen it once you may want to see it again. You won't regret it!!!! I'm trying to plan when I'll be going back to see it myself. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

and WHEN in the world did this happen?????

Nice chain Neville. ;)

peace and love my peeps.

me. in summary. sort of.

2011-07-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. Whatever life throws at you; you decide your attitude, which effects your happiness, which will largely determine your success and results in life. Those that are successful understand this concept."

(above is a quote I have on my desk at work - right next to pictures of my 4 beautiful nieces. Isn't it great?)

Lately I go back on forth on everything in my life. I'm always 50/50. I guess that is nothing new. Even when I make a decision and go for it, I usually end up doubting myself later. I guess the only good thing is that I know this about myself and I can only work on improving it and making myself better in every way. But I feel so back and forth about school and work right now. Quit? Stay? School? No school? Loan? Job!! Money!! School!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See what I mean guys? It's not pleasant. Two months ago I had everything planned out and I was SO excited about it. Now I'm questioning e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. It is NOT GOOD people. My problem? I'm a planner. TOO much of a planner. Like I need to just enjoy my life right now and not try to solve and know every teeny, tiny, little thing about what is going to come. (As if I could even possibly know anything about what the future holds) If only I could turn off my brain for a moment or two. . . or ten I might sleep at night again. Apparently I am the least patient girl EVER. I also think I'm too responsible and too mature for my age. Sounds strange right? Maybe it is but I honestly think it holds me back sometimes. Example 1 - I had to buy a new car this past year. Yes, I'm a single girl who got a mom car. Totally boring and reliable. Sure it is nice and great and I'll have it for years and all that but when compared to my friend who bought a cute, little, sporty car (that while I might see as a tad impractical I completely love) I feel lame as ever. Not the first time something like that has happened. I guess it's mostly that I'm not a flighty girl. And while it might be a little hard for me to make a decision sometimes once I do I go for it. Balls to the wall baby! I'm not great at doing things half ass (sorry mom). Relationships, work, cars, school, etc. I don't go into anything with the mind set that it won't work out or I'll just bail if things don't go my way. That's why I feel such guilt over leaving a job that I've had for years. I feel a certain loyalty to them. That's why I don't get a new car every year. That's why even though I've hated school (with a fiery passion mind you) for the past two years, when I go I get good grades. I'm not into having the latest and greatest thing (with the exception of my iphone but I waited two years for that sucker and that is a post for another day). I'm in it for the long haul and I like things to last.

Maybe that's why my world crumbles when they don't. Or maybe I just hate change. Or maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing and over analyzing...............................Nah. That doesn't sound like me at all! ;)

This is random and jumbled and makes no sense to anyone. But I needed a place to vent! I actually feel bad for anyone that is still reading at this point. ha! Sorry. I promise to do a delightful post with Hawaii pics ASAP to make up for it.

*************Really it might just be that I watched the first three Harry Potter movies this weekend. Too much magic envy in my head! ;) <3 <3 <3 Wouldn't life just be better if Harry (or Ron for that matter) was my boyfriend? I sure think so.

peace and love peeps!

a chicken with it's head cut off

2011-06-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Don't worry that title doesn't require a picture. That would be gross. That's just something people say when they are crazy busy or running around in an insane fashion. Gotta love the cliche right? And this my friends has been my life at work for the past several weeks. I can't complain too much though, I like being busy and prefer it. But this might be a bit borderline ridiculous. I'm sure I'm not the only person in history to feel this way so I made a list:

You know you are having a busy day (at work) when:

You can't take a break to pee even though you are drinking water all.day.long. and let's be honest bathroom issues should always be a priority or one might find themselves literally running to the bathroom just to pee!
You answer your cell phone like you are still at work
You go home exhausted every night of the week and not just on Fridays after a full week
Your co-workers are your friends (and know things like what you had for dinner the night before) because you never have time to see your real friends :/
You never seem to get enough sleep even on nights you try to go to bed early
You sweat at work because you are trying to do so many things at once
You are up and down a billion times (sitting/walking/etc.)
You have so many projects going on that you forget little things that you normally never forget
You haven't been able to check your favorite blogs/websites/personal email in days!
Your calendar looks like Chinese to anyone but you
Checking things off a list becomes to be your favorite thing EVER! (okay fine, I always enjoy this)
You learn so much your brain might explode (and I'm not even in school right now!)
You talk about work even when you're not at work and it's probably really annoying to everyone who you don't work with
The word work seems like it is said way.too.much.

Anything I forgot? Feel free to add to my list.

I hope everyone is happy and loving life, even if you are working your summer away like me. How sad right?

However, I'll be in Hawaii next week and saving all my vacation time for one big trip is feeling like the best idea in the world right now. :)

What's a post without a good vid and/or song? This is the perfect song for my thoughts today. Plus it reminds me of Jackson Hole where I used to WORK. <-- See what I did there? Also, I love line dancing, massive groups of people dancing, little girls in cowgirl boots, old ladies dancing, firemen and mostly cowboys. duh.

+

peace yo!

ironic

2011-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yes it has been three days since my last post. I feel the same. Or maybe a little worse.

Life is:

crazy
weird
ironic
bizarre
funny
hard
challenging
not easy
busy
confusing
sad
hectic
happy
good
great
wonderful
beautiful
incredible

what you make it. . .

aldkjfibe,anlzopapsdjbrwba,msdfnasdficxk

2011-06-21T14:32:00.001-07:00

Nope not spam, just me/my brain/my thoughts/my stress.
Here's a summary: (and it's even in English and understandable this time)

'nuff said.

peace and love because life really is beautiful. Even when it's confusing.
(But I'm not ruling out the possibility that it would be better if magic and Harry Potter really existed. Just sayin. I mean have you seen the new trailer? O.M.G.)

love, me

*picture sent from iphone

Here's the thing,

2011-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

I have SO much to blog about! However, today is not the day for any of it. So instead I'll continue in my song posting trend as of late and leave you with this little gem. I heard it on the radio for the first time last Thursday night after a weird dinner date. It couldn't have been more fitting. Thanks B for rockin it out!

Peace and love

Pass and Fail

2011-05-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly this does not refer to my grades from last semester. I passed all my classes, even with my hectic schedule. I kept my GPA up and did exceptionally well in 3 out of 4 classes. All in all a definite WIN.

New ward week 1- showing up late and having there be 4 cars in the parking lot. What the what? FAIL

New ward week 2- show up on time for 1 pm church....Sacrament is great and I'm ready for the next two meetings. . . What's that? Oh church starts at 11 and it is already over for the day? Awesome. (at least now I know the correct time for next week right?) FAIL

Planning the best vacations ever this summer! - WIN!

The rain - although nice for the grass, sad for my soul. - FAIL

Air conditioning in my new car- WIN! ! !

Cooking a dish where people ask for the recipe - WIN!

FHE- I haven't been in forever (shame on me, I know) and somehow I forgot how awkward people (surprise to all I swear it wasn't me....at least not this week. Weird right?) can be. Although hilarious for me and my friends, it is a definite FAIL. Example 1 - the tall guy who did a tap dance .2 seconds after we said amen from the opening prayer. Who does that???

Talking to my sister on the phone for a long quality convo - WIN!

Eating sushi! - WIN!

Having to pack up my room/stuff after living in the same place for 2.5 years. Which is the longest I've been in one place since I moved out at age 18. CA-RAZY. Also a FAIL because moving just plain sucks (sorry mom but no other word gets the point across as well).

Ava letting me kiss her face off - WIN! WIN!

Having a crappy dinosaur phone that turns itself off several times a day - FAIL

Making new friends at the U and school hasn't even started yet - WIN!

Going to the U!!! - WIN WIN WIN! (my friend told me that now my Utah pride is legit and I'm no longer a poser. Nice.)

Washing my car and having it rain the next day - FAIL (this happens every time!)

Being so sleepy at work because you were up too late doing anything but homework because you have none! - WIN!

Laughing until your sides hurt - WIN!

Clean room/house/car - WIN!

Getting the balls to ask a question to the hottie boy sitting next to me in orientation (to which I already knew the answer and he was wrong) FAIL on his part. WIN on mine!!!!!

Letting a sales guy talk you into something you really don't need - FAIL

FREE SWAG- WIN! (anyone that knows me knows how much I love my free t-shirts) :)

Creepy sales guys entering my personal space at work - FAIL (I really hate that!)

New babies on the way! - WIN!

Being completely stress free since I all do is work, play, Repeat! - WIN!!!

Feeling happy about your life - WIN!

Having more WINs on this list than FAILs - biggest WIN of all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the end. for now.

Song of the day: Eminem and Lil Wayne

Warning: I couldn't find the clean version so I didn't think it would be appropriate to post here. Also my sweet mother would kill me. :) I love anything Lil Wayne lately but it doesn't seem like this song goes with my happy post today. SO after some debate, here is a much better vid to match my WINNING post (and no it has nothing whatsoever to do with Mr. Sheen).

Just my home girls from my favorite show. I love when they do mash-ups!

spreading world peace and love to all :) ----> completely cheesy right? haha. Love it!

pink + red

2011-05-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with this lovely lady on Saturday. She is just the best and we had a great time together! It was so neat to be a part of such a wonderful race. 20,000+ people all running in celebration or memory of someone. It was really neat. A little too much pink for my taste but I still loved it. ;) I really love doing races that benefit others, get people exercising and raise money for a good cause. win.win.win. I think I'll do many more this summer. So fun!

On another completely unrelated note I should announce:

That I officially bleed red. And I could not be more thrilled! So excited about the many great things to come! :)

Finally, I really love this artist and especially this song. Adele is artistic, talented and fabulous. (And any music vid with a good dancer in it gets my vote!) Enjoy!

Peace and love! Spread it!

I don't remember:

2011-05-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

the last time I was in bed and asleep before 1 a.m.
what it is like NOT to have homework hanging over my head
how to spend a night without studying involved
what it is like to go home right after work
having the luxury of doing whatever I want each evening night
how it is to be stress free
what it is like to have spare time to do normal everyday things...i.e. laundry and clean
how to have a social life
what NOT being in school feels like

Needless to say I am more than ready for summer to FINALLY be here! Sadly, I have 2 classes over and done with....and still two to go. The remaining classes are of course the worst ones. But I get to check another one off the list tonight! A whoo hoo! I seriously can't wait for the hot sun, time at the pool, vacations to incredible places, quality time with my wonderful family, drive-ins, camping, hiking, laying out, reading anything that is not a textbook, playing with Ava, awaiting arrival of new baby girl!!! (eek!) and basically doing whatever I want any time I'm not at work. It is going to be soooo great!!! I'm determined it is going to be a fabulous summer. I can just feel it! Hallelujah for the end of the longest/WORST semester of my entire life! OH ya, and maybe I'll get some sleep here and there too! :)

peace and love y'all!

Please watch

2011-04-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious. And so me today. . . and I'm gonna go ahead and say with confidence that is it probably about 99% of the runners from Saturday.

And this guy might be my new favorite person. So awesome. I only ran the half but its still funny because its true. I can't imagine doubling what I ran. For all you non-runners out there here's some marathon thoughts. It's not pretty but quite entertaining. ;)

It really is a great experience and one that I always love being apart of. It is so inspiring seeing all the different people cross the finish line. I just think it is so neat for everyone that decides to run it. This was my second year running the half. It was hard and I'm happy it is finally over. It definitely didn't go the way I had imagined. Lots of things were against me and my mental state wasn't great. Still, I cut off over ten minutes from my time last year so I'll try to be happy with that. It was a hard race for me this year. I had a lot going against me and felt pretty defeated by mile 8. Here's to meeting next year's goal! More details and pics to come later. . . . maybe.

so.many.things.

2011-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Things I like:

the feeling AFTER a run is over
long conversations with my sweet mother
kisses from Ava
knowing that race day is practically here!!!
my Pandora stations
hanging out at my parents house
laughing with my roomie/bff on my bedroom floor and "trying" to study
hugs
my comfortable bed
making eye contact with a good looking man

Things I don't like:

girls that are younger than me calling me "dear" or "ma'am"
when people touch my space at work...and move things around. Like my monitor and picture frames
shady people
crappy weather whilst running outside
boys that bug me
having my sibs & family living far away
when people park in my driveway so that I can't get into my spot in the garage
having anxiety over another race that I just signed up for and it is still 6 months away
people asking if I am dating anyone and when my reply is "not really" they say "OH! Well that's okay." Ummmm I KNOW! I know it is. Thanks. . . . Some people have zero class.
how fast time goes
the fact that it is NOT 80 degrees outside right now

Things on my mind:

RACE DAY! RACE DAY! RACE DAY! I can't believe it is almost here! I have SO many mixed emotions about it. Several that I won't get into the details of on my little blog (a first for me I know, I'm learning to filter a bit I guess). I can't believe it has been a year since my last one. I loved doing the race last year even if my knee sucked. It will probably be the same story this year but I have more reasons than ever to be fast and beat my old time. I'm hoping I can. So much blood, sweat and tears have been shed over the past 4+ months. Working full time, school full time and training for a race has proved to be quite difficult. And my rockstar bestie is doing the full marathon! GO Sierra! (She's incredible.) Still, I have had some record runs myself and proven that I can do hard things. I will be happy to have it over so that my schedule frees up a little bit. It will be nice not to have to plan my entire Saturday around a long run. Oh how I can't wait to cross that finish line. Here's to hoping all goes well. . . after it is over too. I'm just as nervous for that part as the actual race. Welp, Happy running!

I LOVE inspirational commercials like this: (plus ASICS really are the best!)

and then some funny videos like this make me laugh: (it's funny because it's true!)

A Little Bit Stronger

2011-04-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

I love when you find the exact perfect song to match your mood.

17 days later

2011-03-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Set Fire To The Third Bar

I can't seem to get enough of Snow Patrol even when I try to hate them or certain songs they sing. I'm in love with this song. I have been for a long time but I especially am today. Maybe not my favorite video ever...but it gets the point across. And it does it well.

Surprise

2011-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

to everyone including myself: Just a few things going on in my life lately that I didn't expect. . .

I completely have a crush on Jimmer Fredette. (wouldn't our babies be soooo cute?... just sayin' ;) ) Everyone knows how much I love me a hottie athlete!
Also, I have to give props to BYU for this awesome display:

(It's also no secret how much I LOVE flash mobs) but that will be a post for another day. However, I do need to make it clear that I'm in no way, shape or form a BYU fan. Not today anyway, Jimmer dearest. ;)

I am participating in Lent. Is that weird? Well, it sort of goes along with my training program so I thought it wouldn't be too bad of an idea for the next few weeks before my big race. Plus a co-worker is doing it and I am always up for a good challenge. Hopefully I won't get struck by lightening by doing something sacrelig to either church. :}
I don't completely hate all of my classes. I might enjoy a little biology here and there. sshhh! That being said, I'm still STOKED about spring break next week! eeekk!
I might love to sing to B. Spears and A. Lavigne's new songs. in the car. by myself. (but don't worry I NEVER get them stuck in my head or anything). I know, totally painful to admit. Oh wait, I will always be a pop queen.
I think Glee is getting a little too...what's the word? Liberal? Riskay? Over the top? Even for me. and it makes me sad.
I love my new car which is a pretty big deal. I was determined to be pissed about THAT whole situation for ever. oh well.
I have survived exactly one half of the worst.semester.ever. I can do this! Can't wait for that summer sun!!!!!!!!!!!!
My life. I didn't expect my life to be anything like it is right now. When I was young I had everything planned out....And while it's nothing like I thought it would be, I'm surprisingly so grateful for that. I'm grateful for the trials I've endured, the paths I've chosen and mostly for the incredible people I've met along the way. I have courage and faith in the unknown. It's actually all very exciting! I have NO idea where life will take me and I couldn't be happier not having a plan. (for once) :)

Now some pics because I said so and it is my blog.

I love this. It needs no caption.

My boys. When everything seems to be falling apart, I can always turn to them for a guaranteed hang out and some quality laughter. Shopping + Vegas = happiness!My lovely Ava babe. Stop growing up please!My cute boy who hates pictures but likes me so we take lots of them. :) Sierra's gorgeous niece that I adore. She is seriously the cutest! Another one of this cute guy because I can't help myself. Pop, Ava and Bobo. Just to prove MY/our true colors.

My favorite couple of all time.

Well I think I've spent enough time on one post for the day. Enjoy!

peace and love.

we're like

2011-03-04T13:49:00.001-08:00

Two peas in a pod
or better yet
. . .
Bert and Ernie!

BFF!
:)

peace and love

hilarious

2011-02-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

I hope I have daughters like her someday. Little independent woman. So awesome. :)
Happy Friday!

love.

a little bit broken

2011-02-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love D-Will. I mean I LOVE him! He's so good and so fun to watch. Plus he's a hottie and I've seen him in real life. Up close! Twice!!! :) Anyways, he broke my heart and he's outta here. :( This is the craziest year to be a Jazz fan. I feel a little lost and a little broken. My boyfriend has been telling me that he'll probably leave (meaning D-Will not said Bf) but I have chosen not to believe it. I hear some people think he's a D-bag but I choose to ignore that too. I like to think that he's talented, good looking, rich AND a nice guy. Wouldn't that be too good to be true??? Guess so.

This is at the Sorenson championship that I went to for work last year. Let's just say best.day.ever!
for my favorite pic of the day click here

We also saw this hottie and even got a pic with him! Go look at it HERE. Sadly, he left the Jazz last year. My best friend and I once entered a contest to win a date with KK. True story. My team is falling apart!! And at the beginning of the season I had high hopes that this would be the year. (I might think that every year) Shows ya how much I know. :/ and I might have gone a little stalker (ish) on the Jazz players at this event. I get completely star struck! My sister and I once freaked out about a soap opera star that we saw at the airport. True story. (We actually recognized him from an episode of FRIENDS but whatever). We got a picture with him too. More importantly, how much do I love that argyle sweater on Mr. Korver? :)

Happy Wednesday. or something like that. I'm still sad over the news of my boy leaving.

Guess I'll have to set my sights on my other favorite NBA player:

...And just like that I'm smiling again. :) He's incredible. (and by "he" I mean those arms) :)

peace and love.

love day

2011-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Soooooo I've never been one to love Valentine's Day. Surprised? You shouldn't be. Mostly because I'm usually (always) single and I think it's kind of a lame holiday. It stopped being fun as soon as we stopped decorating boxes in school. And okay so the treats are great but I'd rather have flowers, chocolates, etc. on a random day then on a day where you are expected to get or give them to someone. Know what I mean?? Anyways, all that changed this year. I had the most amazing night with the most amazing guy. The best part was just spending time with him (I wish that happened more often). I'm a lucky lady to have such a sweet and hottie boyfriend. And I'm not typically one to brag, but he also got me the sweetest present ever! All I wanted was a love note. Well I got that. And maybe something else. It's really special to me and I hope he knows how much I love it. :) I just can't seem to get enough of this guy. Maybe someday I'll even post a pic of us so that all two of my readers can see him. :)

Anyways, single or taken I have a new attitude about the day. Everyone has people they love in life. We are all blessed so spread the love! Plus, heaven knows we could use a little more love in this world.

peace and love (because as clearly stated in this post you can never have enough love)

ya know what?

2011-02-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

I love this GUY. Like I adore him. A lot.

People bug me. You know what I'm talking about. Like those blogs you read and you just gag from their over-the-top-my-life-is-so-wonderful-bragging? Yuck. Which is why THIS is so freaking awesome.

I love sarcastic people.

I'm pretty pissed (sorry mom) that I'm getting a cold. I've been feeling it coming and have been successful in fighting it off for weeks and now it seems my body won't resist it any longer. Ironic timing because I FINALLY get to spent the weekend with my hottie boyfriend (who I also adore and is finally in the same state as me) and not even kiss him. My own personal hell.

I have the best hair stylist ever. Need one? Two words. Sierra Smith. A-FREAKING-MAZING. She's a hair wizard. Promise. Oh and she also happens to be my best friend. I know right? LUCKY ME! :)

I'm sad it's not summer right this very second.

I currently have a craving to watch Easy A and/or Zombieland. Both hilarious and brilliant.

I could sleep for a thousand years. You know that lame quote, "I can sleep when I'm dead!" Well I prefer to do the opposite and sleep now. I'll be busy building kingdoms in the next life. I need sleep. Like NOW.

I'm really looking forward to running outside for a change. Come on sun!!!!!!!!

I can't get enough of the Burlesque soundtrack, the Country Strong soundtrack, my Blue October and Glee cds and a Lil' Wayne mix from Chaser. Random I know. But doesn't my music selection show how much I enjoy diversity? ;)

(Uhhh for all the blog rookies out there you click on the pink underlined words for the links) you.are.welcome.

I think that's enough for a Friday morning....after all it's not even 10 am yet!

peace and love y'all!

love/hate

2011-01-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the following:

work
school
running

Okay, okay so they are more hate than love. WAY more....especially lately. And sadly, these three things take up 90% of my time if not more. Major bummer!! Especially when I'd rather be spending my time with my favorite people instead.

Said favorite people are:

Christian, Sierra and Ava. (they are in no particular order since they are all in the #1 spot)

HOWEVER, If I could make a wish right now for anything I wanted it would be:

sleep
sleep
and more sleep

(okay so maybe that's NOT completely true and a bit dramatic, but it's seriously close you guys)

Here's to hoping the weekend gets here A sap!

And for your enjoyment here is a pic of my sweet little Ava baby. Isn't she the most precious little thing you've ever seen? I am in love with her!

peace.

So beautiful I cried

2011-01-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

Thought of you By Ryan Woodward. THANK YOU.

I have a new crush....

2011-01-12T09:39:00.001-08:00

on Garret Hedlund. :)
He's a looker eh?
My heart might have skipped a beat when he started singing in Country Strong.
(you should probably stop whatever you are doing and go see it right now so we can talk about it)

Still not convinced?

Well you should be. I guess I finally have a reason to see TRON.

Happy Wednesday!

love and hugs

2011-01-07T14:24:00.001-08:00

Want to see the sweetest moment ever?

My cute little nieces are 10 months apart and met for the first time this summer. I'm so lucky to have 4 beautiful nieces! I sure love them. I wish I was sandwiched right in the middle of them right now. It's been a rough few days.

Bring on the weekend!

(I am pretty positive they are scared and hiding from Dan in this pic. Ems doesn't look nearly as nervous as Ava. haha)

peace.

inspiration

2010-12-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

You were born with potential.

You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don't.

You have wings.
Learn to use them, and fly.

-Rumi

I found this in a health magazine I was reading today and loved it.
:)

but then again, I'm a sucker for inspiring crap like this ;)

peace and love.

i love

2010-12-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

these two

a lot.
A LOT A LOT!!!

My sweet mom gave Sade and I an early Christmas present. Last night we went to see White Christmas at Pioneer Theater. It was incredible and I loved every second of it. Thanks so much mom. I love all the alone time with my sis I can get....it doesn't happen nearly enough.

Love you sister!
(I especially loved the sister song...but ours is better!)

Peace, love and Happy Holidays to all. :)

ssssssssssssssssssstress

2010-12-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

I'm having issues with my blog and it's stressing me out. Like I really need another thing to stress me out!! Like why can't I change my title from purple to black? The atrocious colors are killing me. It's not fitting with my holiday theme at all. Anyways, I can honestly say this has been the most stressful consecutive 7 days in a row that I have ever had. :/ But life is weird. I've also had some really incredible things happen too. :) Funny, how things really do happen when you least expect them too! I've also realized that the power of prayer is real. I pray all.the.time. I guess now I just need to learn to pray for the exact right thing. But mostly I just can't believe Christmas is literally around the corner. I have done zero Christmas shopping. I have NO idea what to get anyone. The only person on my list that is done is sweet, little Ava! But then again, she is the most fun to shop for. Too bad she won't remember it a year from now. OH ya,

aaaaaaaaaaand I get to go freaking car shopping this weekend. Wish me luck. :/
Sorry about the crappy quality phone pic.

peace.

busy body

2010-12-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Life is busy! I am sure it is for everyone, especially this time of year. Between work, school, seeing my family, my best friend and dating there isn't much else I do. I don't have much time for anything these days let alone blogging. Here's what has been on my mind the last little while. So in a very random order here it is:

I was feeling a tad ridiculous for blogging about Twilight. Then, I recently watched Eclipse with my bestie and remembered why in the world I would do such a thing. I could stare at those beautiful men all day long! LOVE it :)
I can't believe it's already Christmas!!! How did that happen?
I love dating....sometimes....but right now I love it. ha!
I want to kiss the chubby cheeks on this little baby
I LOVE my house especially with it's cute Christmas decor
boys
I want to move to some exotic location
My niece calls me hers. It is the sweetest.thing.ever!!!
I want to go to a glamorous New Year's party this year
I need a treat
uh...more boys ;)
I literally cannot wait for the semester to get the freak over with already
I'm ready for a change...
I REALLY wish I was going to the Jazz game tomorrow night.

You know so that I could cheer on my boy D-Will. Just look at that smile! I love him!

Bring on the weekend! Peace and LOTS of love.

Blizzard FYI

2010-11-24T10:50:00.001-08:00

Sooooo I have snow on my blog now. Isn't it cute? I thought it was fitting since I'm freezing and apparently there was a blizzard last night?!?! I must have missed it. All I know is that school was canceled and I was/am a happy woman.

Happy Thanksgiving to y'all! I will be eating out. Just me. Oh and my parents. Sounds like the perfect movie traditional setting right? Oh ya and we're going extra early to beat the "crowd" because apparently tons of people go out to eat on the annual turkey day. So I don't even get to sleep in. Fantastic. I'm not bitter at all. FYI.

Hope everyone travels safe this weekend!

This is me on Thanksgiving last year. I have sick bangs and black hair. Not sure what I was thinking. At least I outgrew that bad phase in the past year, so there is something to be grateful for.

p.s. Hi. I'm Annie. I'm sarcastic. I joke 99% of the time. (My mom thinks it's a serious problem). I love my life and have tons to be grateful for but that deserves a post of it's own. Stay tuned.

Dancing at the Movies

2010-11-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

I miss dancing every single day. Watching this makes me soooo happy. It has a bunch of the greats in it! If you want to be my friend you'll love this too. :)

Peace and love guys.

this made my day

2010-11-11T14:54:00.001-08:00

Important things to note:
How much I love that it's a cute, old lady wearing this shirt.
The comfort I find in knowing everyone feels like this at times.
Today is my day. (clearly)

Things

2010-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Is it really already November?!?! I can't hardly believe it. However, in appreciation for this great month I decided I'm going to post a few things I'm grateful for....I'm sure lots of people will be doing similar posts so it might get a little boring. I'll try to shake things up a bit so stay tuned, I'll be doing this on and off for the entire month. Plus it's just something I need to do. I like to think I'm a pretty grateful person most of the time but it will be good to post some things on the ol' blog to show it!

Today I am grateful for:

my phone - sounds materialistic but I'm grateful for it and the way it helps me keep in touch with those I care about. Especially for the 4 hour conversation that took place last night. :)
my Pandora stations - music gets me through the day...especially at work! (and on my runs)
heaters - I' m currently freezing at my desk right now.
and most importantly the people in my life - in above said conversation I was asked what my biggest fear is. I replied that I am afraid of losing someone that is close to me. I can't bare the thought.

“The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don’t. But, in the end, they’re the people you always come home to. Sometimes it’s the family you’re born into and sometimes it’s the one you make for yourself.”

I have the best family ever :)
Family picture August 2010 - Taken by Flash Jorgensen. You can see Steph's other great work HERE.

peace and love you guys

One wise cookie

2010-10-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

"Find release from your cares, Have a good time!"

Well thank you little fortune cookie in my lunch today, you are just what I needed. I think I'll do exactly that this weekend! :)

Party on! Happy Halloween all!

peace and love.

Petty little love

2010-10-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Triangles.

Remember the the saying, "The one who cares the least has the most power."
I've ALWAYS hated that saying. I hate it even more as I realize how true it is. So stupid. It shouldn't be like that at all. Life and LOVE sure can be complicated. I would know, so trust me you guys.
Along with a few recent events in my own life, I'm reminded of another complicated but much more glamorous love triangle:

Oh Bella, how on earth did you ever choose???

My life isn't nearly as dramatic as it sounds. But if any of us looked like these 3 it would sure be more fun! ;) There is a lot going on in my life and those close to me right now. BUT the bottom line = happiness! Do what is needed to achieve it. You know who you are, you deserve it and
I love you.
xoxo
I'll try to take my own advice as well. Heaven knows I need it....and in the meantime I might have to watch some Twilight movies, seeing as I'm suddenly in the mood for some shirtless werewolves and sparkly vampires. :)

Peace and love.

Practically Me

2010-10-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've been doing this ALL.DAY.LONG.

Oh sleep how I've missed you.
I'm currently counting down the days until:
my big race is over
the semester is over
the holidays are here
the days when I can just go straight home after work
I get a break from running
and most importantly
any chance I get to sleep in

Please come quick.
until then I'll follow my cute mom's M.O. and just carry on!

peace and love.

Birthday Fun for everyone! :)

2010-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Details although possibly vague, in the wrong order and a bit jumbled are all here for the reading!

The beautiful flowers my cute date brought me on Saturday night. So thoughtful of him! I also got flowers from my cute mom. Love it!

Dessert from Cheesecake Factory (Friday night)! Thanks friends!

I turned twenty-freaking-four years old last weekend! 24!!!! My actual birthday was on Saturday, October 2 but I was lucky enough to celebrate all weekend long! 24!!!! I feel so old (can you tell I'm still in shock??) I know it's lame when young people say shiz like that but it's true. It feels like I should for sure have my life in order by now. BUT, then I had to stop and remind myself that I do. I'm a strong, independent, smart and hard working woman. That's right folks I'm a mature adult! I work hard, I play harder and I'm a very motivated and determined person who is always trying to do better. I am so happy with where my life is at right now and I wouldn't change a thing! I'm incredibly busy but love it, even when I don't act like it. I love being single and having the ability to do whatever I want, whenever I want! It's the best. So here is a quick, photo filled recap of my celebration weekend:

Dinner with my family on Sunday after spending the day watching conference and hanging out in sweats. Growing up I always thought it was neat that I didn't have to go to church on my birthday weekend. Plus I got my all time favorite fun-fetti cake made by my sweet sis. And yes I blew out all 24 candles! :) I love my family, they are the best!

This little one sang Happy Birthday to her Bobo! Sweetest.thing.ever.

My cake!!! I love that rainbow chip frosting!

On my actual Birthday I got to meet all the gals in my family at the mall. LOVE time with the girls! I was the lucky one Ava picked to ride on the Carousel with her!

I love this face. On Thursday night, I offered to babysit so I could get some one on one time with my sweet niece. She makes me so happy! Later that night I went on a fun movie date. The next day I took off from work, slept in, had a delicious salmon meal made by a special friend and then went to a movie with Kira before the Friday night festivities began. It was a fabulous day.

Shopping at Gateway with my bestie on my Birthday! It was so hot this year, I don't ever remember it being that hot on my special day. It was nice to spend the day shopping, walking, talking and getting a treat! Basically doing whatever!

LOVE spending time together! It was such a perfect day!

My sweet cousin came to visit and brought with her, a huge homemade brownie (my fav) for me! Along with pics and other goods. Love you Kira!

Friday night I went to dinner with my 4 favorite people. I am so grateful to have all of them in my life and call them my closet friends. They mean the world to me! I didn't think Chaser could come but it totally surprised me! Best thing ever! I was sooo happy! Sierra coordinated everything and made sure I had such an amazing and special night. I'm so lucky to have her as my best friend! Thank you so much for everything Si! You are amazing! After the best meal in the world we went to Keys on Main and met up with more fun friends! It was such a great night out!
The next day I met up at Cafe Rio with all my high school girlfriends! It was great to see everyone!
I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I truly have the best friends and family of all time. Major thank you to everyone who made my birthday special this year! It was one of the greatest ones yet and I will never forget it! This weekend I got to shop tons, eat amazing food, go on a motorcycle ride with a cute boy, see lots of movies, spend time with my family and all my friends I care most about, get kisses from my niece (and maybe somebody else who is taller and of the opposite gender but I'm not one to kiss and tell) and just have a rockin' good time! Best Birthday Ever! Thanks again for the calls, texts and all around birthday wishes! Love you all!

Chivalry

2010-09-30T13:07:00.002-07:00

is not dead! I LOVE it when a man goes out of his way to open the door for me or any other woman for that matter. I think it's so proper and respectful. It has already happened to me TWICE today! It is such a small and simple thing but it always makes my day and makes me smile. Of course both times they were old business men walking into my building (instead of a Heath Ledger look-a-like, DANG!) but it gave me faith that it's not quite the lost art that I thought. :) Cheers to all the good guys out there!

...and since I mentioned him here's some eye candy for the day! I've loved him for years. He will always be one of my all time favorites!I've loved him since he played Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You, which still remains one of my very favorite movies of all time. :) This is my fav. shot and one of the best scenes. His eyes make me melt.WOWZA~! :)
May he RIP. I sure miss him....ya know in the movies!

Not at all where I was going with this post but I think it turned out quite nice, don't you? Well it's officially fall and time for the weekend. Bring it on. Big change is a comin'!
peace and love!

Read and Follow

2010-09-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Picture of me and my sister at the cutest little tea shop ever! :)

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you ,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives....Actually don't judge people at all!

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?' You don't have to tell anyone anything!

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson!

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship...

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
and
TWENTY-ONE....Spend some time alone..

***This was a email I got today and it made me smile. I hope it does the same for you!
AND it should be noted that I know the picture above has nothing to do with this post. Except I love and miss my sweet sis even more than usual this week! Plus she is the wise one, not me.

Be crazy, be happy, live your life and laugh. A LOT! :)

as always peace and love,

Thoughts + songs + a pic

2010-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've decided I'm going to blog more. Not because I have millions of readers hanging onto my every word (in all reality only my best friend/roomie is a faithful reader and even comments). Which I appreciate! Thanks Si! Also, not because I have a super awesome and amazing life full of adventure. (But I TOTALLY do just for the record!) The reason being is that I have thoughts. LOTS and lots of thoughts and after all this is my blog. So I'm going to blog more. Excited? Well you should be.

Last night after a fantastic evening spent at institute I was hanging out and listening to some sweet tunes with a certain someone. As we listened to the lyrics of different sons, I was thinking a lot about LOVE. Isn't it funny how every song is about love? The love story, good times, bad times, the breakups, the heart ache....everything. AND since words are my life (clearly) I thought I'd share a few good quotes on the said topic.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.
~Pablo Neruda, Sonnet XVII

"LOVE IS A TEMPORARY MADNESS, IT ERUPTS LIKE VOLCANOES AND THEN SUBSIDES. AND WHEN IT SUBSIDES YOU HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION. YOU HAVE TO WORK OUT WHETHER YOUR ROOTS HAVE SO ENTWINED TOGETHER THAT IT IS INCONCEIVABLE THAT YOU SHOULD EVER PART. BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS. LOVE IS NOT BREATHLESSNESS, IT IS NOT EXCITEMENT, IT IS NOT THE PROMULGATION OF ETERNAL PASSION. THAT IS JUST BEING "IN LOVE" WHICH ANY FOOL CAN DO. LOVE ITSELF IS WHAT IS LEFT OVER WHEN BEING IN LOVE HAS BURNED AWAY, AND THIS IS BOTH AN ART AND A FORTUNATE ACCIDENT. THOSE THAT TRULY LOVE HAVE ROOTS THAT GROW TOWARDS EACH OTHER UNDERGROUND, AND WHEN ALL THE PRETTY BLOSSOM HAVE FALLEN FROM THEIR BRANCHES, THEY FIND THAT THEY ARE ONE TREE AND NOT TWO."

-LOUIS DE BERNIERES

Deep right? I think so too. Just like how love should be. :)

FYI: I wanted to post of pic of my dear sweet grandparents who are both in up in Heaven together. But I didn't have one, so pretend this is them. They were SO in love.

M.I.A.

2010-08-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all those wonderful people in my life that I've been neglecting lately. I know I've been missing in action! I haven't been the greatest friend these past few weeks and I feel a little guilty. Life is crazy and busy! But in the BEST way possible! For the last half of this month I've been lucky enough to be doing LOTS (and yet somehow still not near enough) of this:Just trying to be the greatest aunt of all time! :) I sure love these 4 little girlies more than they'll ever know. I really do have the sweetest nieces ever! I love them oh so much! Thanks for all the bonding time gals! I have the BEST family and I'm grateful I could see all of them this past little while. I'm especially lucky for these sweet spirits in my life! xoxo!

Peace and love!

Please go

2010-08-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Need a night out??? Might I suggest going to see Step Up 3??? I went with my best friend/fellow dancer/living my dream life/best guy ever, which let's be honest is enough to make any night amazing! But this movie totally lived up to its name. We are super critical and had high expectations. But boy was I blown away!!! And yes I bawled throughout the entire show (mostly because I miss dancing but possibly a few other reasons too).
SO if nothing else, seriously go for this alone:

The (I kid you not) ROBOT on the right is UNREAL!!!! Or just go to enjoy the dancing. It's BANANA's how good they are! We may or may not have seen it twice in one night because we were soooo freaking excited and couldn't get enough!!! The dancing is seriously OFF THE CHAIN!! We were practically dancing in our seats! Or If I haven't convinced you yet they will:

Plus these two beautiful people aren't bad to look at. Actually, they are VERY enjoyable to watch. Here's my one last attempt...I promise you won't regret it. Go stare at this for two hours:

You are welcome.
And yes I just found my new boyfriend. :)

hot daaaayyyyuuumm!!!!

I am all smiles over here! This just might be the best post ever written. Just sayin!!!! ;)

peace and love you guys!

Home away from home - Jackson, WY

2010-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

I just spent the weekend in one of my favorite places in the whole world. Here are a few reasons why I love it so much up there:

the hot, HOT cowboys
the Grand Tetons and all their beauty
getting out of the city and experiencing the country
seeing all my old friends
being able to wear cowboy boots all the time and not look ridiculous!
being back on the ranch where I have spent almost one year of my young life
the town square
the shopping!
the food!
the plethora of bearded, long haired men walking around town
the view
the people
the fresh air
the lakes
the hikes
the pure excitement I feel as I arrive
the tight, TIGHT wrangler jeans on practically every man in sight
the memories
the memories
the memories!!!!
the way it makes me reflect on so many past relationships - good and bad
the way the men up there are sooooo manly!
the drive from town to the ranch and back
going to dornan's
the cowboy
the dancing
the horses
the freedom
the fact that it's not Utah or anything like it
the delightful feeling of leaving all my troubles in Utah for a few days
and have I mentioned the incredible eye candy???? ;)

I seriously LOVE it up there. It is such an amazing place and will always have a special place in my heart. I am so grateful for all the good friendships I have made from my days living in Jackson Hole. More pictures to come and detailed report on all my adventures. It was quite the weekend trip....Starting off with just me and the old man bus (and by bus I mean a freaking VAN) driver who took me up there! :)

Things I DON'T love about Jackson? - bug bites. I have close 10+ rotten, itchy bites!!!!

Peace and love!

Dear

2010-07-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Chinese person/spam/whoever you are:

I really don't like the comments you keep leaving on my blog. I don't know you and I can't read what you are saying. You BUG me! Please go away and leave me and my rambling posts alone.
K?Thanks.Bye.

*/Ann

To all my other loyal readers (Sierra) I love you and enjoy your comments so you are not on my bad list like the said crazy creeper above! :) Happy Friday to all!

The good, the bad and the ugly

2010-07-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.
And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."-quote from SATC.

I'm SOOO over this week. Bring on the effing weekend already.

Here's my Happy list

2010-06-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't it ironic that sometimes its takes horrible things happening all around you to make you realize how lucky you are? I feel like that all the time lately. I've been hearing so many sad stories and witnessed some incredibly hard trials around me (and possibly tested with a tiny trial or two myself). Maybe it was time I was reminded of what a lucky girl I am. I truly am so grateful for my life and all the blessings I receive day in and day out. So all of this has got me thinking (more than usual) and I decided to write some things down and even share a few. (I'm also hoping karma will step in and bless those around me that need it the most right now) Also motivated by one of my favorite blogs (ever) found here.
Isn't she just the cutest thing ever???????? Ya, I think so too!
Read other inspiring lists here. They are bound to make your day!!!
Or at least make you smile, which is the second best thing you can do with your mouth.....or so I've heard. ;)

So without further ado here are my ten things that make me incredibly happy {lately}:

(in no particular order)Sorry for the blurry photo....taken with my phone camera :/

1) Kisses from my niece(s)
2) Everything about my best friend - the way we make each other laugh, the way we always seem to say the same thing at the same time, the way we have fun no matter what we do as long as we're together, the fact that she knows me better than anyone else on the planet....This could be a list in and of itself! :)
3) A tight hug from someone that isn't in a rush to let go
4) The feeling I get as soon as I'm done working out for the day
5) Fro-gurt
6) Long hospital visits spent holding hands
7) Forgetting the cares of the world by loosing myself in a good book
8) Saturdays spent at the pool with no "to do" list for the day
9) Holding a new baby(.....or any baby really)
10) Unexpected calls, visits, texts or emails from my favorite people
11) Realizing that I am brave enough to have faith in the unknown

For those that know me know that I am a talker...but I'll spare you for today. Even though I did cheat and post 11 but it couldn't be helped! It was definitely hard to choose only ten as I have many more things that make me happy on a daily basis, sometimes I just need reminding. I encourage you all to do the same and think of a few things that make YOU happy.

"think of all the beauty still left

around you and be happy."

- anne frank

peace and love people. peace and love!

Sweet Embrace

2010-06-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a girl just needs a hug.

As for me I might be the most huggy (pretend it's a real word) person ever. Just ask Sadie. She thinks my tombstone will say, "Hug me." I don't think it's too much of a bad thing.

I love hugs. I love really, really good hugs even more.

not words - just feelings

2010-06-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

scared. concerned. mad. hurt. sad. emotional. helpless. surprised. intimidated. unaware. upset. afraid. attached. wondering. nervous. fearful. worried. anxious. heartbroken. tearful. curious.stressed. angry. uninformed. exhausted. bitter. uneasy. full of questions.
wishing I could do more.
wanting to be there....wishing I was needed.
I'm really just sad. and I feel guilty for being so pissed....

at the entire situation
but mostly at the cancer

All I can do is pray for *him* and it just doesn't seem like enough.

Trying times

2010-05-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

I've been a slacker....I knowI need to post. I have LOTS on my mind and LOTS to say.

But for today how about just a quote. . .

"It is easy enough to be pleasant, when life flows by like a song, But the man worth while is one who will smile, when everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with the years, and the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through tears."

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

This is all too true. I realized that first hand this weekend.

I have the greatest

2010-04-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Best Friend of all time.
:)

Consumed by . . .

2010-04-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

(might as well be a pic of yours truly - I injured my left knee and will be sporting a look-a-like brace come Saturday morning!)

MY THOUGHTS!!!
Things I can't stop thinking about lately are:

Knowing that I am running 13.1 miles in less than two days and I'm so incredibly nervous/excited out of my mind!
The horrible habit I have of dwelling on my past. . . all the *damn* time.
The small handful of people that I talk to every single day and how grateful I am for that. And for them!!!! And for our simple/sweet conversations.
My injured knee
Money and my/the lack of it, even though I feel like I work all the time.
Day dreaming/thinking about my future and what it holds. . .
When will I ever be done with school????
Where I should go from here
The person I dream about and how pathetic it is.
FRIENDS and how watching the seasons never gets old!
How much I wish I looked like Kim Kardashian
Hoping for it to finally be summer (please?)
Jared Leto :)
Sleep and how much I love love love it!
How well/bad I will do in my race
My desire to be a hard core athlete.
Ava Blair and how much I am in absolute LOVE with her.
Wishing I was brave.
Pondering where I should go on my next vacation (someday)
My lack of confidence in nearly everything.
How much I miss all my family that lives out-of-state. Move home already!
All the good upcoming movies I want to see (there are a lot!)
Outdoor summer concerts!
Worried by the fact that my knee is aching as I sit here and type.
How much I am craving a trip to FROGURT w/ my BFF right now.
How grateful I am that the semester is almost over.
How sad I'll be to say goodbye to my World Religions professor/class.
Green with envy that my bestie is getting paid to dance and travel Europe right now.
Curious as to why some people have to have it so hard and others don't.
Wishing I could help others more.
How completely disgusted/sad Jesse James makes/made me.
Wondering if I my ability to be sarcastic and joke all the time is a bad thing.
Scared that I'll never let my wall down.
Wondering what others/him/guys (in general) are thinking. .
Really missing the one friend I had at work and she's only been gone 1 day.
My fear of being a failure.
How much I miss dancing/teaching/my dance students.
Praying (secretly) that Karma is real.
Embarrassed to admit how much my (fugly) hair stresses me out.

Welp, I think that's good for now. Sorry for blabbing but really you could have stopped reading, right? Therefore, I am not held accountable. I think about a lot of things. All the FREAKING time. I stress/worry waaaay too much. To be honest I wish I was 17 again (good movie!) and carefree.

I'm really not a complainer/negative person and I AM grateful for all that I have. I probably sound like a vain, petty and whiny person just like the type of girl I hate, but I know what's really important. So lay off me! ;)

xoxo

Emotional Event

2010-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday night I had the privilege to go see one of my best friends perform in his AMAZING dance concert. Simply put it was the BEST.DANCE.CONCERT.EVER. And that is really saying a lot, I'm quite critical when it comes to performing arts! I haven't been to a live performance of anything artistic or even been exposed to any culture in months! Sooo sad, I know! I went by myself and cried throughout the entire performance. I was so excited to go and did not expect that to be the outcome. BUT it made me miss dancing so much. I mean, I realize that I miss it but as the opening number ended I was full of emotion and it hit me head on. It was hard to just sit there and watch (only because I wanted nothing more than to jump on stage and join them) but I LOVED it!!! It's incredible to watch such beautiful dancers expose their talents and be so raw on stage. Everyone did an amazing job. They are all such talented dancers!!!!

I can't believe it has been two years since I have danced!!!! Dance was my life for soooo long! All growing up of course and then especially while I lived in Ogden. I was dancing at Weber State in the Modern Dept. almost everyday and then teaching ballet, jazz and tap at a dance studio every night and on Saturdays! I miss everything about it. I miss my dance students, friends, and co-workers. I miss the relief I feel after I leave everything on the dance floor. It was such good therapy for me because that is where I could go to get rid of my anger, saddness or frustrations. Naturally, I like dark, deep, full of meaning dances.

Moral of the story? I'm about ready to quit "real life" and pursue my dancing dreams! (too bad I am a practical person now-a-days!)

Another reason I was so touched was because of my bestie! I was so proud to see Chase up on stage with a professional company! He gets paid to dance! Now that is the life! Odyssey is performing Shut Up and Dance for the rest of the week. They have 3 great shows going on and I think you should all go!!!! I attended the Romeo and Juliet show. It was incredible. Being a dark, passionate love story, this is one of my favorites!!!! It is SO sad and such a great love story. It must have hit close to home or something because I was bawling like a baby. The islanders on one side of me and an extremely old gay couple on the other side (seriously old, one was hooked up to an oxygen tank) must have thought I was crazy. I would be crying and smiling at the same time. Much like Cameron Diaz at the end of The Holiday. (I LOVE that movie)
I got so caught up in the love story. It's the same classic we are all used too, just with a modern twist. The music was amazing, the dancing spectacular. I honestly haven't stopped thinking about the show since I saw it. I could rave about it for days! (clearly!)

GO SEE IT!!!!

I know you won't regret it! In fact, I think I'll see it again on Saturday! Any takers????

p.s. Chaser I hope you know how much I love you! Our friendship means more than you'll ever know! You have been such a great friend when I really needed one! You are the most amazing person! Good job rockstar!

Pictures of me and Chase throughout the years!!!!

(sorry about the weird layout, the pictures were uploading lame today. The pics are for you Sadie since you say I never post pics! Sorry they are old! )

Baby Girl . . .

2010-03-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am on cloud 9 today! My 4th niece was born this morning! My cute brother Dan and his cute wife Lisa had their baby today in Columbus, Ohio! Oh how I wish they lived here or at least a little closer so we could all meet and love on the new babe! I can't wait to meet the little lady and kiss her cheeks off. I already love her so much! I now have 4 perfect nieces and they are my world. They make me soooo happy. I wish I got to see the Nelson girls more, I think I will have to plan a trip out there soon! I am dying to hold this little baby girl and spend time with my incredible family.

I can't imagine how much I am going to love my own children some day. I would do anything for these 4 darling girls. Doesn't seem like it's possible to love my own more but I know I will.....someday! For now I will enjoy being the best aunt ever!

It is the BEST thing in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, Congrats to my favorite family! I hope Leah and Emma welcome their new baby sister with lots of love, hugs and kisses for me! Welcome to the world baby girl Nelson. I love you!!!!!

xoxo
your favorite aunt

Sad to say goodbye...

2010-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

To the 2010 Olympics! I LOVE the Olympics and I always have. I spend way too many hours watching as many events as possible and I always stay up way to late in doing so! I have always loved watching the Olympics but ever since they were in Salt Lake in 2002, I have grown to love them even more! I get way into the athletes and their personal lives and stories of how they made it there. Remember this adorable Canadian couple and the controversy w/ them in 2002 when they almost got cheated out of the gold????(Stupid Russia) Anyways, I LOVED them and knew they were so in love! You can't fake chemistry like that. Well they are totally married and have a kid now! Yay! I love them! They were in Vancouver watching the figure skating this year! So fun! (Fun fact of the day, I also did a report on Kristi Yamaguchi when I was in third grade. I love ice skating and secretly wanted to be one when I was little.)

Jamie Sale and David Pelletier! My old time favs!!!
I still remember this routine and performance!

This year I found a new couple to love! Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue. They also represented Canada. They are so cute together. I think they are in love too! hehe!

Incredible right??????? So deserving of the GOLD baby!

Shaun White - Won Gold in the half-pipe. Incredible! He got sooo high! (not by weed, which I'm sure he does plenty of that too!) I love his care free attitude and the way he just goes for it. He sure puts on a great show! I was talking with a friend and he was saying how the snowboarders lives are probably such a party. Figure skaters? Hard core athletes. haha! Too funny and probably sooo true! Either way, snowboarding has come a long way and Shaun White keeps bringin it! His coach also said the "F" word on national television which I think is hilarious! I LOVED the snowboarders outfits. Snow pants that look like jeans and plaid coats. They are seriously so cool! Shaun even low-rides his snow pant looking jeans, so naturally he is hard core! Plus he has such rad hair man! ;)

Evan Lysack- Won gold in Men's figure skating. USA hasn't won that title since 1988. Incredible! I love when they break records like that and stick it to mother Russia. (Stupid silver medalist was such a poor sport about the whole thing! Like dude you are still #2 in the world! Get a grip!) Anyways, Evan is so cute! So tall and skinny and I love his all black costumes! I love watching him. He is awesome. Not that it matters but he totally has a girlfriend, so please refrain from saying he looks gay in the picture. This is my blog and I like him and I like it! He's totally hot and an amazing athlete!

My all time favorite- APOLO OHNO. I love him. Is this not the coolest pic ever? He has the best sportsmanship ever! He is such a hard worker and awesome to watch. Plus he is humble. He does the best interviews and I love him! His personality seems totally down to earth which I love! He is an 8th time medalist and broke the record for the most medals in the winter games. Awesome guy for sure!!! I mean I'd date him......just sayin!

I also loved watching the pairs figure skating couple Meryl Davis and Charlie White as well as ice dancing. Kim Ya Na won gold for Korea in the Ladies Free Skate. She is so beautiful! I also loved Bode Miller, Shani Davis and Lindsey Vohn. She was so cute and just cried when she was done. She left the interviewer to find her hubby and hug him. So cute! I love how all the girls cry when they win and they guys never do. haha! I loved watching the Olympics this year and I can't wait for the summer games in two years! So fun and so great to see the world come together for all the events! Amazing people with amazing stories. I bet they had the time of their lives these past two weeks! I'm sad to see them go!

I have faith that. . .

2010-02-16T14:46:00.001-08:00

Someday. . .

I'll have this. . .

and I'll never take it for granted.

Someday

seems forever away today. . .

Karma is a...

2010-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

...well you know. And it's sooo true. Remember my last post? Well that's what I get for trying to gloat all over my blog. It's been a bad two days. Working lots, school is really hard this semester and consumes my time and brain more than it should. Personal life isn't so great and I'm overall just tired, cranky and annoyed! I need a serious attitude adjustment. I think it's probably just going to pass in a few days (you ladies know what I mean, sorry for TMI) but I'm annoyed with myself. I hate that simple things can have such an effect on my mood for good or bad. Right now it's bad. Obviously. I'm ready for the weekend except I'm really not looking forward to it at the same time. What is wrong with me? I think I need a vacation. I haven't been on one in years. Literally at least 1.5 years anyway! I'm not even writing an eloquent post worth publishing. Bah! I hate feeling like this. I'm hoping tomorrow when I wake up it really will be a new day and I'll have a new outlook on things! Here's to hoping.

I still love you all. Sorry I'm such a grouch today!

Gratitude

2010-02-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Picture of (sadly only part) of my beautiful family! My cute brother Dan came into town from Ohio for what felt like only 5 seconds but after NOT seeing him for a year and a half it was just what we all needed! We loved his hilarious jokes, stories, singing, overall humor and just having him around! He is so funny! I miss him and his cute family SO much!
p.s. Aren't the guys in my family so handsome?
p.p.s this was taken after church, we did NOT mean to match! ;)

I've had so much on my mind lately and I've been wanting to post something for quite awhile. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure how to express my thoughts or frustrations on paper. Well today I have to get a few things off my chest.....you probably want to stop reading now, right? Like you think I'm going to ramble on about how bad things can be and how you should pity me, right? Well surprise to the world that I'm actually in the BEST MOOD EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (NO - I don't have a husband or a baby to brag about. Yes - I am single and GUESS WHAT????????????? I am happy and one super lucky girl!) I am very humbled and grateful for the events that have occurred as of late. The only problem is I don't even know where to start........I guess I'll try to stay vague and not get too deep (I tend to be good at that unless I'm taking to Sadie or my mom). SOOOO here is the short version:

Basically I have been questioning a lot of things lately. Such as: where I live, my job, school, boys and everything else. A LOT right? Mostly money is at the root of all my troubles (minus the gents). I've been pretty good at making things work the past......oh 5 years or so! I have been on my own since I graduated high school and I've gotten pretty dang good at living on my own and being miss independent! I've never had tons of money so I'm used to living within my means. However, this past month was overwhelming with bills. I don't know where I went wrong (probably SLCC stealing all my hard earned money) but I was finding myself very short. Like VERY! Well, today my prayers were answered!

HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

Everything became clear and I know that I am where I need to be right now. I feel confident in so many things and while I have no idea what will happen, I'm looking forward to the future! It feels so great to say that!

I feel like I work all the time but I'm learning SO much and it's so exciting! I spend multiple nights a week at school but it's all working out. I'm learning so much in every single one of my classes this semester! I love it! (even when my brain feels like it could explode at any moment!) I'm grateful for my job and for school. Don't get me wrong, IT IS HARD! But I am grateful for all that I am learning! :)

Mostly, I just needed to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing my life each and every day!

***Side note: The people in my life make it worth living (and smiling) each day!They are my soul! Hence the reason why I posted the above picture of my sweet family.

Also my cute roomies! I'm grateful for all of them and love them soo much!

2010-01-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Well I still think it's crazy that it's 2010. "I mean it's the end of an era!" :) I personally have still been filling out my time card with the year 2009 on it! Haha! Here is a recap of past ten years of my life......
2010 - High hopes of only good things to come! (I'll keep these to myself....with my fingers crossed of course) :)
2009 - Worst year ever! :( Got a grown up job, moved in with roomies (that was actually fun), transferred my credits from Weber and started back to school. Zero trips and way too many worthless 5 second relationships.
2008 - Hardest year of my life up to this point filled with nothing but a broken heart.....(Ava was born, probably my shining star in the midst of all the darkness) Man I love that sweet girl so much!!!!! She ALWAYS makes me smile!
2007 - Good year. I loved my job teaching dance at a studio, a private Catholic high school and dancing at Weber State. Went to X2 my first summer and loved it. Met some of my best friends there. Fell in love for the first time and even said "I love you" for the first time. (Monumental right?......especially for me!) Good friends and even better times.
2006 - Had the funnest roomies ever! Aubrey, Amanda, Terri and me! Moved into such a ghetto apt. and loved it! Life was dance, boyfriend, roomies and parties all the time! Great year in college!
2005 - Graduated high school, sent off a few missionaries....(okay only like 1) moved out for the first time, went to HI with Sadie to visit our gorgeous sister Jenn who moved there the year before.
2004- My prime. Seriously. Growing up all I wanted was to be 17. Turns out it came and left rather quickly and I still want to be 17. I was boy crazy, cheer captain and on dance company. I LOVED my life. Those were the days! I was glued to my BFF's Cassie's hip!
2003- Started high school and was finally growing out of my awkward stage. Learned to drive and would practice driving a stick in my brother's red car.
2002- Winter Olympics in Utah! Fun with sisters, cousins and friends, got braces off and dyed my hair for the first time. 9th grade dance company was some of my best memories ever!
2001- 14.....thought it would be the year I would get my first kiss. Fail.
2000- Got braces and cut my hair short like a boy. As if middle school isn't horrible enough! I don't know what I was thinking! Dan and Jenn got home from their missions and we went on the best family vacation ever! Great cruise! Went to a New Year's party at (my then best friend) Sierra's house! I remember the navy blue sparkly dress I wore, complete with silver tights.

Now ten years later Sierra (still my best friend) and I rang in the New Year together again. I love her so much and it was fun to reminisce all that has happened in the past decade. I'm so grateful for all that I have. The people I have met and things I have learned. There is plenty I would change if I could but I'm choosing to look forward and say the

best is yet to come!

I started school this week but that deserves its own post for more reasons than one. Work is picking up and I'm staying busy with that and my night classes. I try to see Ava and the rest of my amazing family whenever I have time, which sadly isn't much. I'm learning to cook (thanks to my cute mom!) and embrace my artistic side (thanks to my bestie Chaser!) . I set tons of goals for this year that I'm very excited about and determined to keep! Also I'm training to run the Salt Lake half marathon in April. woot woot!

Peace and love!!!!

2010 whaaaaaaaaa?

2009-12-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FREAKIN NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I for one couldn't be happier for a new year. I have tons of goals and I'm determined to make it a good year. 2009 was probably one of the worst years ever so I'm more than happy to be bidding it farewell! Nothing worth remembering happened and I personally think it sucked! But this is a happy post so moving on......Look forward for Christmas pics to come as well as some from tonight, I'm sure I'll be taking plenty! Can't wait to dress up, go out and of course party it up! LOVE to you all! :)

Today is a good day!

2009-12-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

I love today. I am in the best mood ever. School is out! Work was great today! What more could I want? Well only Santa (and my mom) know that but basically I love my life right now. I have had a great week (post finals) hanging with my bestie Chase, hanging out with my awesome friend Magen who has been in town from MI, and many other things that make me smile. LOTS. And that is a GREAT feeling. aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh now for a fun filled weekend with holiday festivities! Can't wait to spend tonight with all my HHS favorite ladies! Lots of catching up to do. Plus I'm making dinner......for what could quite possibly be the first time ever. GO ME!

I love being happy. I'll embrace it while it's here.

{Photo from summer at TX year one with one of my favorite ladies of all time. My fellow dancer, BSB lover, Hairspray singer extraordinaire, secret keeper and hilarious friend. Love you Ali!}

It pretty much sums up how I feel today. JOY!

Perfect for this time of year right?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!P.S. Christmas is in 1 week!

This face

2009-12-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Makes me happier than anything else in the world. Ava fell asleep in my arms this weekend. She never does that anymore. She will be 18 months next week and usually goes to bed pretty good but not by someone rocking her. I absolutely loved having her in my arms still as can be. She let me kiss her lots and I didn't want to put her in her bed. I wish I could have made that moment last forever! She is getting so big and growing up so fast! I love you so much Ava Kate!

Better perspective

2009-12-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

I read my cute friend Brekke’s blog awhile ago and she mentions this. I continued to hear about this story from my sweet sister and others. So today I decided to check it out. It is the saddest/most touching/incredible story ever. This woman is amazing. I bawled reading it (of course) and realized how much I take for granted. I never did a Thanksgiving post because I got really sick before the wonderful holiday. So here it is… (The short version):

My family – every single member in it. I would be lost without all of them and I thank the Lord every night for blessing me with such a beautiful and caring family.
Good friends – throughout my entire life I have been blessed with awesome friends, some for only 4 months, some for 15 years and everything in between. No matter what I hope they know I love and think about them individually and often. I want the best for all of them and hope they are all sincerely happy.
My body – I have had the ability to dance for most of my life and I love it. Aside from that talent - I am grateful I can walk, talk, see, hear, smell, think, and about a billion other things.
My old crappy car – I am so grateful for it. It has lasted way longer than expected and I am truly blessed. I would be in a very bad situation with my crazy schedule if I didn’t have it. I hope it can hang in there until I graduate!
A warm house (or 3) – I am so grateful to have a warm place to go at night and a bed to sleep in. Seeing this movie would also put this into perspective. Also my mom and sister let me sleep over whenever I need too and I love them for it (and trillions of other things).
My cute roommates – They won’t know how much I’ll miss them. I look up to all of them and admire each of them in different ways. I hope they know that I love them all even when I don’t show it.
My phone – sounds lame but I’m happy I can keep in touch with so many great friends who are scattered across the country. All thanks to technology.
My job – not necessarily what I want to be doing the rest of my life and I curse it about every single morning when I wake up, but I’m so grateful to have an income and that I can pay my own bills. I love the people I work with and I couldn't ask for anything more.
My education – I have a love/hate relationship with school. Today I’m grateful that I have the ability to earn an education. We’ll leave it at that. (And that I’m grateful for the semester ending next week!)
My Heavenly Father – He knows me better than anyone and he still loves me. He accepts my faults and loves me for who I am. I know I couldn't live without him in my life.

Wow. I know I have rambled and have more than one run-on sentence in there. For that I apologize. I needed to get this out there. I cry a lot, I have pity parties and sometimes I think I hate my life. Then, I think of all the things I have. Now that it’s written down I will be reminded quicker and more often.

Happy Holidays! May we all remember the reason for the season!

Freezing!

2009-12-09T15:04:00.001-08:00

P.S. It's been snowing so much lately I decided to make it snow on my blog too!

Stay warm out there and drive safe!!! :)

Too funny!

2009-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

The good news is that I truly outdid myself this year. The bad news is that I had to take them down after only two days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down. First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by. Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the ladder and almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). She was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard. I think I made him too real this time. But it was fun while it lasted. ;)

Kerry

This was a hilarious forward I got from my cute mom the other day. Then, I got it again from my cute aunt. I figured it was worth posting! Pretty funny stuff! Looks real to me!
Happy Holidays!

The festivities!

2009-12-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

This year I was lucky enough to go to the festival of trees with my favorite people. My cutest cousin Kira invited me to go with her and her mom. So, I had to invite the girls in my family to tag along and Sadie and Ava joined us! It was so much fun (minus the insane crowds, zero parking, and a baby that wanted to do anything but ride in her stroller) and I am so happy we went! I really don't think I have been since it was held at the Salt Palace. Which is pretty sad considering I decorated & donated a beautiful wreath in high school. Because it had been so long since I have experienced it the following happened: I bawled. For at least the first 5 rows. I was really touched as I walked from tree to tree and saw pictures of people's loved ones who have passed on. It was so sad! Especially since we had some really good family friends who did a tree for their son who died this past summer. It was so great/sad to see his picture and tree. I am so grateful for my family, friends and loved ones and I hope that they know how grateful I am for all of them! It's such a great cause and all the money goes to Primary Children's. Someday when I am rich I am going to buy a tree for thousands of dollars just because all the money goes to such a good cause! Sadie's work also did a tree so that was fun to see. The gingerbread houses were amazing and really fun to look at as well! I love Christmas decorations and even though we were rushed at the end (because Ava was over it in 2 seconds) I'm really glad we went! Thanks to Kira for the invite and Sadie for coming! Much LOVE to you all!

This is the only picture I took with my camera. It was seriously bitter cold outside so I put my scarf on Ava to try and keep her warm while we ran to the car that was parked @ Jordan Commons. This is after we got in and are trying to warm up. Doesn't she look so cute???? Man, I love this girl so much!

Yup....this sums it all up!

2009-12-03T10:07:00.001-08:00

Anyone else feel like this? It seems I hate waking up in the mornings and all I think about is how I can't wait to go back to sleep. Then, when I'm in bed at night my mind goes crazy and I can't seem to shut it off! It's getting very annoying! Probably because work and school are keeping me plenty busy! Plus I'm sick but I'm trying to be tough and stick it out! I just turned in a huge research paper last night and I couldn't be happier to have it out of my hands. Now it's only 3 major finals and in two weeks I'm home free! (well for a few weeks anyway!) And yes I am pretty sure I have the latest finals ever! Seems like most schools are already done by now! Bummer!

Hope everyone is hanging in there for the last little bit of the semester! Then it's time to party! I can't wait! I love this time of year! :)

Happy Holidays!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-30T07:29:00.001-08:00

After a 3 month hiatus, a new hairdo, newly acquired shoes, a promotion at work, a new blog title/look as well as a new attitude (which let's be honest is most important) and I'm back to the blogging world! And I couldn't be happier or more excited about it! I tend to spend some time reading other people's blogs lately and I decided it's high time someone reads mine. Even if it's only my sisters! :) LOTS has happened since my last post. I deleted my blog for many reasons and with some recent changes in my life, I hope that I can use this as a positive outlet in my life (in contrast to how I was using it before). Things are looking up! Finally! It's been a long year and I finally have some honest to goodness hope in my heart! I'm crazy busy, work full time and go to school full time (night classes). It's hard, I don't get to sleep as much as I'd like and my social life blows, but I am so grateful for my ability and opportunity to get an education. **Disclaimer** It's quite possible I'm only saying this because in a few short weeks I will have a much needed break from it all (well homework at least!). Come January I may feel different! haha!

Well life certainly has it's ups and downs. I've had a really hard time lately and I had a serious downer Monday night. Ironically, I awoke on Tuesday morning with a new attitude. An attitude of change. I can change things if I wish too. I am in control of my life. For once being single is paying off! I am the only one that can make myself happy and I'm beginning that journey with more hope than I ever thought possible! I'm a strong and independent woman and I can do anything if I put my mind to it! I don't have to report to anyone about anything. I can do whatever I want! Everything that I have been through will only make me a better, stronger person, mother, and wife. Someday! For the first time in a really, really long time I am excited to see what the future will bring! Whoo hoo! So cheers to the new me! I'm alive and kicking! :)

Ah Crap!

2009-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well in efforts to fancify my blog, I deleted my last post! :( I'm quite sad about it actually. If I could remember exactly what I said then I would redo it but the odds of that are slim. However, it's Friday and I'm not going to let it ruin my mood. I have dinner with my besties tonight and then homework the rest of the weekend. Luckily I get to see Ava so it will be worth it! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Peace and Love!

Forever

2009-08-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

SO not the best day of my life. I hate today. I think it's the worst day of the year. I think it will forever have a bad taste in my mouth. I need to go get a massage. Or a mani and pedi. Or blow tons of money that I honestly don't have. SOMETHING! ANYTHING! I bawled as I left work for my lunch break. I'm really hoping that school will keep my mind plenty busy and last night it did (my first day of classes went well, can't complain.....yet). However, today all I can think about is HIM. Which isn't rare or ironic at all. It's very fitting for today. It's not like it's been specifically a "bad" day. Just the date. I hate it. I want to call HIM so badly it hurts. I wonder if he even had a .005 split second thought about me today???? Doubtful? No one will probably understand this post much. It's fine. I know that He would. Wonder if he cares. Wonder if he even noticed what day it is! Today totally sucks and I can't wait for it to be over.

To what should have been. . .

Today is

2009-08-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

Yup....after a year break,a change of school, a tranfer of credits, all my hard earned money and one big decision I've decided to go back to school. Wish me luck! I'm not sure how I feel about it yet....oh wait yes I do. I am super nervous/excited?/anxious all over again. I feel like I'm walking back into the 7th grade which is undeniably the worst year in every kids's life. Ironically this has been pretty much the worst year of my life so it's fitting. I am praying for the best and expecting the worst....good plan right? I bought new pens, pencils and notebooks last week but still it didn't feel real. Then last night I went shopping with my sister and have never been more grateful for a credit card. I got some awesome new falls clothes that I am SO excited about and I feel like a new woman. Oh that and a new hair do - Does wonders!!!! I'll still be working full time and then taking night classes. SLCC is about to become my new best friend, so let's hope it protects me when I have to walk out to my car at ten every night. Anyway here's to hoping that this semester will bring on new adventures (and Mr. Right).

But I'm not holding my breath.

Grow up already

2009-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

I may not be 25 yet but I came across this article and thought it was interesting and worthy to pass along. I really like most of what it had to say. Especially numbers 19 and 20 (rude people suck). It is directed at women but can I just say that I wish more men out there would just grow the freak up already? That or at least move out of your mother's house.

I'm 22, single and I pay rent. It sucks, it's hard. It's life.

Side note: I dated three guys (my age or older) this summer all of whom (lasted only moments) but more importantly didn't have a car.... first of all very ironic and secondly WTF??? Someone needs to seriously tell them it's time to grow up.

I have ALWAYS had.....

2009-08-07T15:00:00.001-07:00

a passion for dance.
(and I ALWAYS will)

Him

2009-07-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've been having the weirdest dreams lately. I wake up and they are so vivid in my mind and seem so real. Then I usually can't sleep and it's all I think about for days. It's really messing up my head. One recently was about death (which was awful and I awoke bawling) but most are about something else. Someone else. I've had so much on my mind. Is that just me thinking? Or is it something else? I can't figure it out. It's so constant lately. Am I supposed to be listening to something? .....Just when I'm trying to move on and be happy things keep coming up that take me right back to that horrible, horrible place. I know I'm rambling....and I don't expect to make sense of it by blogging, I just REALLY need to get some things off my chest and seeing as I'm at work and can't focus, I've got to get this out. I always keep my feelings in. I don't tell people how I'm feeling. I try to act like everything is okay. Well it's not and the only person who can fix it is the one person that won't. The one person I want to turn to and I can't. AND I'm sick of it. I am sick of missing him. I miss him everyday. I think about him all the time. I've had so much fun family time lately and we'll all be together hanging out, laughing and I'll be fine and then BAM! He pops into my mind and it makes me so incredibly sad. I can't even explain it. I wish he was with me all the time. I wish I could hold his hand. I wish I could talk to him and find comfort in his arms like I used too. I miss his face, hands, laughter, lips, eyes, the way he called me "babe", cheeks, voice, calves, sense of humor...everything about him. I wish I could go back. I wish he knew how much I loved him. I do. I love him. I wish he knew I'm still in love with him and at the same time I feel like I don't even know him anymore. I replay all of our times together in my head ALL THE TIME! I miss having him as a best friend. I think about him everyday. I want to call him, text him or just show up at his house. I think about doing all three of those things every single day. I wish things were different. I wish I was stronger. I wish I was the independent woman that I want to be. I'm not. I wish I was over it, over him but............................................
I need him. I miss the comfort of knowing I could call him anytime day or night and he would be there. I miss all the stupid things. Sitting on his couch and doing nothing and and just talking, and it was the best times I've ever had. I even miss fighting with him. I miss making dinner with him. I miss driving with him. I miss him holding me, protecting me, teasing me, laughing with me, caring for me, loving me and kissing me. I miss kissing him. I miss dancing with him. I miss taking pictures with him. I miss my life with him.

I wish I hated him.

I turned off the comments for a reason. I don't want pity or advice.

I want him.

Family Matters

2009-07-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have been spending so much time with my family lately and I'm really grateful for it. As much as I hate being the 5th, 7th or whatever extra wheel I am at the time I LOVE spending time with the fam. My sisters and I could just laugh together all night. I love them both so much and look up to them more than they know. I have been sleeping at my mom's house while my cute sister and her cute hubby are in town. It's fun to not even do anything and just sit, talk and hang out. I LOVE it! My parents new house is amazing! It's so beautiful, comfortable and is starting to feel like home. Sometimes I think I should move home....it would so help financially. Plus my cute mom and dad really love it when I'm there. I'm just not sure I could do it. I've been out of the house since I graduated with the exception of one summer and a few Christmas breaks. That's 4 years! Plus I think my social life would really suffer but I'm pretty much planning on being a loser this fall. I'll be going to school and working full time. I'm actually ok with that. I think I've put too much focus and energy on things lately and it's not helping. It's sure as hell not making me happy. So here goes the new me...no effort. We'll see how that goes. Here's to hoping........

People always tell me it happens when you least expect it or stop looking for it. I think that's a load of crap.

A freaking MEN!!!!

2009-07-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Read this.

then

Read this.

Now leave me alone.

(I love finding single lady blogs. Even if it is only to realize I'm not alone in this never-ending-exhausting dating game.)

King of Pop

2009-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

I know that a lot of people have talked about Michael Jackson's death lately. Some have blogged about it. I haven't until today. This is what I'd like to call my ode to MJ. His funeral was so sad. I unfortunately was at work and only saw bits and pieces online. I bawled when his daughter said what a good dad he was and how much she loved him. It makes me so sad that there is so much hate in this world and that so many people choose to remember the bad. Who are you to judge? No one knows how hard his life was or what he had to go through. I think he was probably one of the saddest people even with all that fame and money. All I really know for sure is how talented he was. Best dancer, singer, performer EVER! I have always loved him. I think he had such a good heart and he changed the music industry. He is a legend. No one has been or ever will be like MICHAEL JACKSON! I would kill to see him perform live, now I nor anyone else ever will again. Breaks my heart. It is very unsettling to see him go so young and unexpectedly. I hope he is in a better place. Rest in peace MJ!

These are some of my favorite pics- I think he is looks so good in Thriller!!!

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am finally blogging about my little weekend trip up to Jackson Hole.The above pic is me and Jesi being goofs...it's what we do best. I seriously miss this girl everyday. I love her so much! She is one of the best friends I could ever ask for!!! I can talk to her about anything and I'm so grateful we can turn to each other in times of need! The trip was too short but very sweet. I am so grateful for the good friendships I made while I was living up there. Some of these girls got me through the hardest times I have ever experienced. I am forever in debt for what they did to help get me through everything. I sincerely hope they know what good friends they are and how much I love and cherish our friendship. I know we will be forever friends. It's crazy how we only lived together for 6 months and it's like we've always been friends. I love the area, it's the most beautiful scenery ever! I didn't get to do any hiking this time but I was able to go to String Lake which is my favorite place up there. I also did lots of shopping with my girls. It was mostly just good to get away from all the crappy drama here and to see my friends again. Plus the fresh mountain air and hot rugged men don't hurt either! ;)

Michael and me

me and Rosie

Cute Michael let me stay at her place in town....and yes I'm seriously considering us being roomies again!

The Grand Tetons

Michael and me at String Lake

I just can't get enough of this gorgeous view

Special shout out to Terri for making the drive with me! I couldn't have made it without you! And thanks to little blue (my car) for being a champ!

My oasis

2009-06-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

Words can't express how much I love Jackson. The town, the people, the scenery...everything. I had the worst day ever (ok maybe not ever...but close enough) last week and decided to take an impromptu trip up to Jackson for the weekend. I still have so many really good friends up there and it was really great to see them....I'll be posting more pics soon. I just had to say I am so grateful for this beautiful area. It truly has a special place in my heart and it always will.<3

I love my Daddy!

2009-06-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful dad!
I love him so much! This post is just for him:

To my Dearest Dad,

I admire you for so many things, it is hard to pick just one. I have always thought of you as a man with a lot of grace and humility. I think you are the best example of peace that I know. You have the most sincere heart and truly are the best man I know. (Must be why I'm still single...I measure every guy to you and no one out there is as good as you!) I love you so much and am so grateful for your testimony. I love how easy it is to always find you reading your scriptures. You are a man of faith and knowledge and I hope to be the spiritual giant that you are some day! Thanks for your ever guiding example and the simple way you practice faith in the Lord.

I have SO many memories with you! Many with have been captures in pictures...

me being little and dressing up or dancing for you....I still do that!

always going on walks around the neighborhood and to East Sandy

dressing up in fifties attire and going to more than one daddy daughter date

going to see movies just me and you...Grease and Return of the Jedi stick out most in my mind

when you were Bishop and would come talk in YW's or visit at girl's camp...I was always so proud you were MY dad!

you trying to teach me and Sadie to play tennis that one summer....we never did get that serve down. We are not the natural athlete that you are!

Sunday drives up the canyon

sitting on Aunt Robin's front porch last summer talking and giving me your shoulder to cry on

wearing matching shirts in Disneyland

letting me dance around your house all the time...and pretending not to notice or be bugged by me

going with me to do Baptisms for the first time

late night run to Chevron for those delicious chocolate donuts

years of father's blessings before the school year started

going on motorcycle rides around the block

checking me out of school at Union when I was so sick

My baptism and confirmation

you coming in to visit me when I worked at Good Earth

supporting me in cheer and dance for so many years

watching you play with Ava...you really are the cutest grandpa around!

Our hike to Indian Rock at the ranch when no one would go with me but you

camping trips when we were all little kids

biking the Jordan River path with you

the pioneer trek

family trips to Lake Powell, Hawaii or on our cruise

Thank you for all those good times and all you constantly do for me. You are the rock of the family. We might not say much but just spending time together is what is always the most fun. I love that I can talk to you and I appreciate all your wisdom and advice. I think my favorite memories with you over the years are just the most simple. Drives in your truck, talking to you about boys, school or work, sitting by you and watching tv and my favorite....
coming in and jumping on your bed while your reading, I'd almost always interrupt whatever you were reading or doing. I'd just start talking to you. I always want to be close to you Dad. I love getting hugs from you!!! I love you so much and I'm so grateful your my father! You mean the world to me. I love you!!!!

Love,
your baby girl

Let the good times roll

2009-06-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Since I'm new to the blogging world and such a lover for pictures I thought I'd share a few fun things that have happened the past couple months...

Swimming up in Park City over Memorial weekend with Ava and the fam

Most recently a Huge company work party....with my fellow working ladies

More than one wedding reception with long time bestie Cass

The Big Ass show with my cutest cousin Kira!!!

The Sounds, Paramore and NO DOUBT concert with old bff Mikey!

So far it's been a really great summer. I have had so much fun going dancing, going to concerts, going to the pool, going boating and just hanging out with fun friends. I have seen lots of great movies and have even enjoyed the drive in once already! I love going to dinner with my roommates or just acting like nerds around our cute house. I try to do something really fun everynight because before I know it Fall will be here and I'll be back in school and still working full time. (Let's hope I survive) It's been fun to catch up with old friends at weddings and even one funeral. I am so grateful for the many people in my life. There are days I get sick of this rain but it sure makes everything green and beautiful! This is a shout out to summer! I am so glad you are here!!!!! :)

Ava Blair

2009-06-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

I have a few free minutes and decided to blog about my favorite girl, Ava Blair. I got the pleasure of babysitting her last night. She came to my house for the first time and my cute roomies just ate her up! She is so sweet! I just love her sosoo much. She is starting to walk and talk lots. She can even say bobo....that is what some of my family calls me. YAY!!!! She will be 11 months is just over a week and I can't believe it! She is growing up SO fast! I love the time she gets to spend with her auntie and lucky me....I get to take work off next Monday and have her all to myself!!!!!!! Which is good because when all my fam is together I hog her anyways. I hope she knows how much I love her. Sadie is such a good mom. I hope I can be as good of a mother as she is someday!

UP

2009-06-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was pretty chill. I didn't have much planned but I got to hang out with some good friends and see my fam. I had a good time. I went and saw the new Disney movie UP! It's seriously so good!!!! I went with one of my favorite people so that was also enjoyable:) I loved the little old man in this movie. He is so cute and it made me miss my two sweet grandpas!!! It is such a cute movie and one of the best parts was finding out that there is a TOY STORY 3 coming out! It's not out for another year but I'm seriously so stoked!!!! We were freaking out - we were so excited! So that is one good thing to look forward to next June! :) Peace and love!!! :)

Hello world! This is me....

2009-06-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well I've been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now and my wonderful sister Sadie showed me how to start one up! Let's hope I'll acquire a few followers.....but beware I am currently single and have LOTS to complain about! ;) SO to start: I have most recently been discouraged with the dating game! It seems to always happen that I tend to like boys that don't reciprocate my feelings OR I just want to be friends with the boys that actually are interested. Is it really that hard to have a connection and share mutual feelings? Apparently so. Maybe it's because I think to actually be love with another human being is seriously special and shouldn't be taken for granted. When consequently my faith in men is dwindling daily. Why are there so many lame guys out there????? Some days I wonder how man and woman were ever actually supposed to make it all work. Then I watch my parents....I hope to have a love like they do someday. I recently went to a see Wolverine with them (if you haven't seen it yet I highly suggest it.....Holy HOT Hugh!!!) on a Saturday night (please refrain from poking fun, my parents are more fun to hang out with than most people my own age) and they were so cute and held hands the entire movie. They have been married for almost 34 years and they've still got it! :) Makes me SO happy! Well I'll be honest and say I had a crappy day and had more than one stupid boy flake out on me.....But now I feel better so thanks for listening and thanks to my sweet mom and dad for giving me hope!